François Payard Previews His New Bakery

After a brief exile behind a jewelry store counter, François Payard once again has a storefront to call his own: On September 21, the pastry chef will open François Payard Bakery at 116 West Houston Street.

Dessert Buzz attended a preview last night and has posted a suitably drool-inducing report. In addition to greatest hits like macarons, pain au chocolat, seasonal fruit tarts, and éclairs, expect a menu featuring the savory likes of a croque monsieur, salmon on pretzel bread, and tofu with tomato and basil. And, much like Todd English, Payard is slapping his name on anything he can: Expect branded coffee, jams, chocolate spreads, pretzels, fondues, biscotti, and, terrifyingly, pastry-scented candles.